Menopause

Condition

WHAT IS MENOPAUSE?

Menopause is the time in a woman’s life when menstruation ceases. It is a natural biological process, not a medical problem.

As you approach menopause the production of hormones (for example oestrogen) by the ovaries starts to slow down. As this process accelerates, hormone levels fluctuate more and a woman often notices changes in her menstrual cycle. The ovaries also stop releasing eggs every month.

Although it’s associated with hormonal, physical and psychosocial changes in your life, menopause isn’t the end of your youth or your sexuality.

AT WHAT AGE DOES MENOPAUSE OCCUR?

Menopause does not occur overnight; it is gradual, and most people reach menopause between the ages of 45 and 55, the average being around 50. This depends on the individual’s body and hormone levels.

WHAT IS PERIMENOPAUSE?

Signs and symptoms may begin much before the actual onset of menopause. This period is called perimenopause. It is characterised by gradual changes in hormones and cessation of your menstrual periods.

WHAT IS EARLY OR PREMATURE MENOPAUSE?

Premature menopause is a condition when your ovaries stop producing hormones, your periods stop and you experience menopausal symptoms before 40 years of age. The condition can be acquired or induced due to an autoimmune disease, genetics, or certain treatments such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF MENOPAUSE?

For some, menopause may not cause any unpleasant symptoms or complications, but for others, the symptoms may be uncomfortable and sometimes unbearable, lasting for many years.

The common symptoms of menopause include:

  • Changes in your menstrual cycle: Cycles may become longer, shorter or totally irregular.
  • Hot flushes: As your oestrogen levels drop, your blood vessels may expand rapidly, causing your skin temperature to rise.
  • Decreased fertility: When ovulation begins to fluctuate, you’re less likely to become pregnant, even if you haven’t had a period for a year. However, pregnancy is still possible.
  • Vaginal changes: As your oestrogen levels decline, the tissues lining your vagina and urethra (the opening to your bladder) become drier, thinner and less elastic. With decreased lubrication, you may experience burning or itching, along with increased infections of the urinary tract or vagina.
  • Sexual health: Vaginal changes may make sexual intercourse uncomfortable, painful and sometimes associated with slight bleeding.
  • Sleep disturbances and night sweats: Night sweats are often a consequence of hot flushes. You may awaken from a sound sleep with soaking night sweats followed by chills. You may have difficulty falling back to sleep or achieving a deep, restful sleep.
  • Emotional changes: As you go through menopause, you may experience mood swings, be more irritable or be more prone to emotional upset.

HOW IS MENOPAUSE DIAGNOSED?

Menopause is usually diagnosed by your signs and symptoms. If you experience menopause symptoms at an early age, your doctor may order blood tests to determine your levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), oestrogen and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), and confirm on the diagnosis.

TREATMENT

WHAT ARE THE TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR MENOPAUSE?

Menopause is a normal consequence of aging and not a disease; therefore, it does not require any treatment. However, if your symptoms are severe and cause a lot of discomfort, your doctor may suggest:

  • Hormone replacement therapy: administration of oestrogen to relieve hot flashes, and prevent bone loss and heart problems
  • Vaginal oestrogen: administration of oestrogen in the form of a vaginal cream to relieve vaginal dryness and discomfort during intercourse
  • Antidepressants and anti-seizure medication: prescribed in low doses, to reduce hot flashes when oestrogen is contraindicated
  • Medication to prevent bone loss and treat osteoporosis

WHAT ARE THE LIFESTYLE RECOMMENDATIONS TO MANAGE MENOPAUSE?

You can manage the symptoms of menopause with the following lifestyle changes:

  • Avoid hot flash triggers such as hot beverages, alcohol, caffeinated drinks, stress, hot weather and spicy foods.
  • Practice relaxation techniques, such as yoga and tai chi
  • Perform pelvic floor exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor.
  • Quit smoking.
  • Engage in regular exercises.
  • Eat a balanced diet.
  • Get ample amount of sun exposure.

Your First Visit